From Flourishing to Languishing

Considering the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Churches and Clergy

By: Dr. Davies Mpinga

Narrated by: Joseph R. Durika

This study, unique in its focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on churches, congregational ministries, leaders, and clergy, seeks to understand how churches adapted. It examines the ministry models that individual churches employed to maintain congregational health and their potential for ensuring future church health and sustainability.

The research also explores the ministry landscape of churches during and after the pandemic in Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) and Ontario, particularly within the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada (EMCC) and the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC).

This research does not entirely capture the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pastors and congregations, as these were complex. However, it revealed that the pandemic fundamentally unravelled ministry routines and posed significant challenges that required innovative solutions.

Nevertheless, it highlighted crucial growth opportunities for both clergy and laity alongside their churches. Furthermore, the research investigates how pastors and congregations were impacted by and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in light of their mission, purpose, vision, worship, discipleship, evangelism, fellowship, pastoral care, and the nature of the church.

The findings and implications of this research are expected to make a meaningful contribution to the recovery efforts and overall well-being of the church in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent effects, and make the church future ready.

©2025 Davies Mpinga (P)2025 Davies Mpinga

Great Book

This book is a must-read! Dr. Davies Mpinga brilliantly explores the impact of COVID-19 and government policies on the Church in Canada and the United States. It highlights the challenging position the Church found itself in—balancing the safety of its congregation with meeting their spiritual needs while grappling with restrictive health regulations that hindered ministry efforts. Dr. Mpinga examines how the Church navigated these obstacles and redefined how to execute its mission in the wake of the pandemic. A compelling and well-written work, I highly recommend it!